There is no magic pill, powder or injections!

Dictionary.com defines sup⋅ple⋅ment as something added to complete a thing, supply a deficiency, or reinforce or extend a whole.

In this instance, supplement refers to every pill, powder, liquid, gel, injection and gooey-chewy health bar on the market for weight loss, muscle gain, and vitality. The thing that needs to be completed is diet.

People desperate to change their body composition constantly ask me should they take supplements? I respond by asking them "how is your everyday diet"? Whether they get it or not, the point is that the bulk one's essential nutrition should come from food; not supplements. If your on a first name basis with the drive-thru cashier at Mc Donald's, what's on the shelf at GNC is not going to help you.

Before using chemical intervention to lose weight or increase muscle mass, one should examine their diet by keeping a food journal for a week. Record everything you put into your mouth including cigarettes and chewing gum. Be honest, there's no sense in trying to fool yourself. Next, visit the website of the United State Department of Agriculture and checkout the MyPyramid to see how your current diet stacks up against the suggested Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for the average healthy adult. There is also other good information about healthy eating practices along with creative food pyramids based on special populations, adolescents, and ethnic cuisine. At this point the picture should be clear as to whether or not there are short comings in your diet. Some nutritional deficits can be remedied by just eating more nutrient dense foods and less junk. Other voids may require the help of a nutritionist or doctor to identify a specific approach to eating, especially if there are severe extenuating health factors (such as a thyroid problem).

As a trainer I can only give general advise on supplementation and dieting. Specific suggestions should be taken under the advisement of a licensed medical practitioner or dietitian. I'm neither. So stop asking me if you should take Mass Fuel and Anabolic Rush.